One of the best things about operating a community theatre is being able to assist young and emerging artists get a rung or two further up the ladder. Over the next few weeks we host various events that include a large number of artists aged between 17 and 30.
The theatre business and a career in the arts in general isn’t for the faint-hearted. Talent and self-belief isn’t enough to succeed in this game. Young actors, musicians and writers must steel themselves for constant rejection, sparse earning opportunities and a diet of two-minute noodles in pursuit of their craft. Many get discouraged, give up and get a ‘proper’ job.
But not Zane Fleming.
Zane is a 20-something actor and arts entrepreneur who doesn’t wait for his agent to find him a gig. Barely out of drama school, he formed his own theatre company to provide stage opportunities for himself and others. The company, Masked Productions, has notched up a couple of professional shows so far and its next play, later this month, is Reasons To Be Pretty, a contemporary drama by award-winning American playwright Neil LaBute.
Since May, playwright Gary Henderson has been guiding a cluster of budding playwrights at the weekly Learn to Write for Theatre course. A 10-minute play per new writer will be performed next week. We encourage people to attend as audience feedback is crucial to the playwriting process.
Rangitoto College Senior Shakespeare students return with Measure for Measure under the direction of their drama teacher and Shakespeare-o-phile, Allan Roberts. Their short season doesn’t contribute to NCEA credits - these teenagers tackle the Bard for the sheer love of it.
Broken Quill Theatre is another merry band of Shakespeare fans who are all under 30. The company’s upcoming season puts a musical spin on Romeo and Juliet.
North Shore Concert Band’s annual concert also features a number of younger members. For over three decades, the band has nurtured young talent. Some of that original young talent, the founding members, are still with the band today paying it forward to the next generation.
And we’re here to help them.
James Bell
What’s On:
August 10 – 12 at 7pm
Rangitoto College Senior Drama Presents
Measure for Measure
By William Shakespeare
All tickets $15
Sunday August 13 at 7pm
The PumpHouse presents
10 Minute Plays
Hosted by Gary Henderson
Entry by gold coin donation
August 19 – 26
Masked Productions presents
Reasons to be Pretty
By Neil La Bute
Directed by Greg Bailey
Tues – Sat 8pm Sun 3pm
Adult $30 Senior/Student $25 Group 10+ $22pp
Sunday September 3 at 2pm
North Shore Concert Band presents
World Tour
Adult $18 Senior/Student/Child $15
Sept 7 – 16
Broken Quill Theatre presents
Romeo & Juliet
By William Shakespeare
A Musical Adaptation
Thu – Sat 7.30pm
Sat matinee 2pm
No shows Mon, Tues, Weds
Adult $25 Senior/Student/Group 10+ $15
